Celebrating Excellence: Kwara State Honors Athletes and Sports Development
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, recently held a special event to honor the athletes who represented the state at the 2024 National Sports Festival. The gathering took place at the State Banquet Hall in Ilorin, where the governor recognized the outstanding achievements of the athletes with cash rewards and certificates of appreciation.
The gold medalists were each awarded N1 million, while those who won silver and bronze received N500,000 and N300,000 respectively. In addition to the athletes, the coaching staff also received financial incentives as a gesture of gratitude for their contributions.
Kwara State made a significant impact at the festival, securing six gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze medals. The event was hosted in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and marked a proud moment for the state's sporting community.
Addressing Longstanding Financial Obligations
During the ceremony, Governor AbdulRazaq announced the immediate settlement of a long-standing debt of N201 million in sign-on fees for Kwara United coaches and players. This debt had accumulated over the past 16 years and was finally resolved as part of the governor’s commitment to supporting sports development in the state.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor expressed his pride in the athletes’ performance and emphasized the importance of recognizing their efforts. He stated:
“For us, these athletes are our heroes and heroines in their own right. With six gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze medals, these athletes have made us proud, and we are proud of their efforts, exploits, and, above all, patriotism.”
He added that the event was organized to acknowledge, celebrate, and reassure the athletes and future champions that the state and its people appreciate their contributions and will continue to support them.
Investment in Sports Infrastructure
Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted the state’s efforts to reposition Kwara in all areas, particularly in sports. He pointed out that the government has invested heavily in upgrading and building new sporting facilities. These include an indoor sports hall, table tennis area, Olympic-size swimming pool, and eight-winged squash courts. Some of these facilities are unique to Kwara State in Nigeria and across Africa.
He also mentioned that the government has focused on improving the welfare of athletes and officials. The recent success of Kwara United Football Club is a testament to these efforts. The governor reiterated his commitment to ensuring that athletes and coaches receive the support they deserve.
Recognition from Key Figures
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Magaji; Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government Football Council, Owolabi Agbaji Wopa; Director of Sports, Ibrahim Bako; Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ismail Ayodeji; and Olympian and former Commissioner of Sports, Hameed Adio.
Magaji praised the governor’s support, stating that the achievements would not have been possible without his leadership. He noted that the governor’s belief in the potential of the athletes led to the renovation and construction of new facilities.
Adio commended the governor’s dedication to both sports and education, highlighting that combining the two can lead to remarkable success. Ayodeji also acknowledged the governor’s efforts, which have contributed to the state’s achievements at the national level.
Future Prospects and Economic Impact
Ayodeji further suggested that if Kwara United plays all their African Confederation Cup home matches at the Ilorin Stadium, it could significantly boost the team’s morale and support the local economy. This move would not only enhance the team’s performance but also provide economic benefits to the region.
Through continued investment in sports infrastructure, recognition of athletic excellence, and addressing long-standing financial obligations, Governor AbdulRazaq is setting a strong foundation for the future of sports in Kwara State. His initiatives reflect a broader vision of fostering talent, promoting national development, and ensuring the well-being of athletes and coaches alike.
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